Why is Security Becoming Increasingly Important to The Energy Industry?

September 4, 2017

We’re seeing a greater importance placed on the security of the energy industry–but why?

Energy has been a constant source for discussion–whether we’re moving in the right direction or the wrong one, what methods are best to keep the grid up and running, and how we’re going to power technologies like cars in the future. Investments in clean energy have skyrocketed in the past decade and along with that has come with plenty of changes in how we view the security of the energy industry.

Maintaining the Energy Infrastructure

Renewable energy and diversified supplies create a unique challenge in terms of maintaining the energy infrastructure. When renewable sources of energy rapidly gain market share as they have, they bring along with them plenty of benefits such as energy mix diversification. However, that doesn’t mean it’s all good–we’ve seen huge changes to the electric utility business models and regulatory policies concerning clean energy. These are the kinds of growing pains that come with any major changes in an industry however.

Digital Distribution

As we’ve moved to intelligent grids and interconnected assets, life has seemingly become a lot easier. It’s also introduced new threats like cyberattacks and over reliance on data centers. Data centers must be secure facilities, and that means we rely more than ever on technologies to keep those facilities safe, including something like the DriverCam which could be used to determine whether or not the right people are accessing a data center. We’re also catching up to the vulnerabilities brought about by new technologies like batteries and grid-embedded generation that could make grid systems more likely.

Geopolitical Shifts

There are big changes happening in emerging markets such as those in China and India. These have led to price readjustments as well as general shifts in energy supply patterns. Considering the general international unease due to actions of North Korea, there’s a good reason to invest in energy security. The energy industry would benefit greatly from something like the Automatic Under Vehicle Inspection System, which could be used to deter or prevent terrorist attacks on a nuclear energy facility.

Put Your Trust in Gatekeeper Security

Gatekeeper Security’s suite of intelligent optical technologies provides security personnel with the tool to detect today’s threats. Our systems help those in the energy, transportation, commercial, and government sectors protect their people and their valuables by detecting threats in time to take action. From automatic under vehicle inspection systems, automatic license plate reader systems, to on the move automatic vehicle occupant identifier, we offer full 360-degree vehicle scanning to ensure any threat is found. Throughout 30 countries around the globe, Gatekeeper Security’s technology is trusted to help protect critical infrastructure. Follow us on Facebook, Google+, and LinkedIn for updates about our technology and company.